Prefab Construction-A Made to Order Approach to Building

Over the past decade or so, people have begun to turn towards modular buildings more and more. We have begun to realize that modular construction has a lot to offer in comparison to traditionally constructed buildings which is, perhaps, the biggest reason for its newfound popularity.

Not only are prefabricated buildings quick to construct, but they also save money and resources. With our most pressing problem being the disturbance of our ecosystem, modular buildings have certainly contributed a lot to providing solutions. Let us take a look at how traditional construction differs from modular construction.

1. Process In modular construction: Each separate unit (module) of a building is pre-fabricated in a controlled factory environment. In the meantime, the foundation is prepared at the construction site by the construction team. When the modules and foundation are both ready, the modules are transported to the construction site and are then assembled upon the foundation.

Most of the construction, about 60% to 90%, takes place offsite which means that there can be up to 90% reduction in waste generated from construction.

2. Speed Since this process occurs simultaneously—foundation and modules are built at the same time at separate locations—modular construction is a lot quicker than traditional construction. In fact, it is safe to say that modular construction can be completed in half the time it would take to construct a building the traditional way. Additionally, structures created using the modular construction approach can be easily dismantled, moved and reassembled at another location as and when required.

3. Cost A large part of why pre-fabricated buildings are cheaper is because one can cut down significantly on labor costs (since they take a short time to construct). Research shows that modular structures can cost 5% to 20% less than traditionally constructed buildings. Furthermore, when constructing modular buildings, they can be planned to fit into your budget, however small or large it may be. Additionally, modular buildings can also be rented temporarily according to your needs.

4. Quality In the construction of modular buildings, quality is given the utmost priority. Since modules are constructed in a controlled factory environment, it is easier to monitor the quality of the materials as well as of the finished product.

5. Resources and Materials Typically, a whopping 8,000 pounds of waste is dumped into landfills while erecting a 2,000 sq. ft. house, according to ConstructionWaste.SustainableSources.com. Modular buildings are energy-efficient to say the least. Instead of the energy-gobbling and unnecessarily expensive traditional materials and furnishings, modular construction makes use of eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient glass, solar water heaters, geothermal systems and the like. Controlled factory environments allow for efficient use of energy resources and raw materials. There is almost negligible wastage in modular construction. Water usage is also significantly reduced. Furthermore, if any materials are left over from a previous project, they are simply used in another project later on.

6. Safety When constructing modules in a factory, most often the modules are built “assembly style” where there is minimum risk to human life or even the possibility of casualties. Furthermore, at the actual construction site after the foundation is prepared, there is no further building to be done. The modules are merely transported and assembled on top of each other with a crane. There is no use of heavy machinery either. No wonder that modular construction is highly regarded as up to 80% safer than traditional construction.

7. Impact on the Environment A lot of modular construction companies today are trying their best to use as many recycled materials as possible to construct new modules. For instance, some modular builders use glue-less, self-adhering, 100% recycled carpet tiles in their construction. Other companies use recycled wood, recycled steel and even recycled glass in the construction of modular structures.

There is no demolition when it comes to modular structures. If they are no longer needed, they are simple dismantled and reassembled elsewhere. No debris, no noise, no dust; a lot more environment-friendly than traditional construction!